Edinburg, Northville maintain school ties

Vote on contract scheduled May 21

February 15, 2013

EDINBURG - The Edinburg Common School District Board of Education has decided to continue sending its secondary students to Northville Central School, and the districts are working on a five-year deal.

The Edinburg board sent Northville officials a letter on Jan. 23 about its 3-0 vote in favor of continuing the relationship, and the five-year contract will be voted on by Edinburg residents on May 21.

Edinburg students in grades seven through 12 will go to Northville for at least the 2013-14 school year. Both schools' officials say they expect the five-year contract vote to pass.

Edinburg Superintendent Randy Teetz said his board carefully reviewed all proposals from interested schools before making the decision.

"They reviewed the whole situation, took their time, and also listened to the public during the public forum we had," Teetz said. "It was loud and clear that people wished to [have the students] stay in Northville ... I do believe that the district and definitely the community can continue the relationship they have had over the years."

Northville Board of Education President Jim Beirlein said he was happy to learn that Edinburg students would continue to attend Northville after sixth grade.

Beirlein said losing the tuition revenue from Edinburg students would have been "quite painful."

Northville proposed a tuition rate of $6,850 per year per student, with a 2.1 percent increase per year, which was much higher than the offers from other area schools. Broadalbin-Perth Central School District, for example, offered to take Edinburg's students at a rate of $3,250. However, Broadalbin-Perth sought an annual increase of 5 percent.

Beirlein, who attended the December public hearing at Edinburg Common School, agreed that it seemed clear Edinburg residents wanted the students to stay at Northville.

"There certainly appeared to be an overwhelming decision to keep the students in Northville," Beirlein said. " ... Their students are doing very well in Northville. Obviously, the location is close. It's comfortable and convenient for a lot of people."

"There's a long, rich history [between the districts], and it's one big family," Lynker said. "I'm very pleased that they decided to stay with Northville. It was very comforting to know that Northville is doing the best possible job to educate the students."